The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the organization will take appropriate action after listening to both sides of the issue surrounding her suspension.
Ackson made this statement in a video obtained by Vanguard on Wednesday, following Natasha’s appeal to the IPU and the United Nations (UN) over what she described as an unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
During the Women in Parliament session at the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha urged global democratic institutions to intervene, calling her suspension a case of political victimization. She recounted her ordeal, explaining that she was suspended after submitting a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
She described the consequences of her suspension, which included the withdrawal of her security, confiscation of official vehicles, loss of salary, and a ban from the National Assembly for six months. She also noted that she was prohibited from presenting herself as a senator both in Nigeria and internationally.
Natasha stated that her suspension was not just an attack on her as an individual but also an attempt to silence women in Nigerian politics. She argued that if a female senator could be treated in such a manner, ordinary Nigerian women in workplaces and universities could face even worse situations.
Responding to her concerns, IPU President Tulia Ackson noted that the organization had listened to Natasha’s side of the story but would also consider the perspective of the other parties involved. She assured that the IPU would take appropriate steps after reviewing all aspects of the situation.
Ackson addressed the assembly, saying, “We have had her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said. But because we listened only on her side, as an institution, as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side but also giving a chance to listen to the other side as it is a custom for IPU. And after having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary.”
She further acknowledged that a Nigerian delegate at the meeting had requested to speak but was unable to do so due to time constraints. However, she reassured that the IPU had taken note of the concerns raised by Natasha and would work on the matter while ensuring a fair process.
